Feasibility of Reductive Hepatectomy in Patients With BCLC B and C Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background/Aim: Few studies have established a definite conclusion regarding the limitation of surgical treatment for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B and C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 717 consecutive patients who underwent initial hepatectomy for HCC. Results: Reductive hepatectomy was performed in 103 patients, with a median survival time (MST) of 18.0 months. Total bilirubin and albumin levels were identified as independent prognostic factors. The predictive score of these factors ranged from 0 to 2. Subsequent local treatment was performed in 91.0, 75.0, and 25.0% of patients who scored 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The MST for patients with a score of 0, 1, and 2 was 20.1, 14.8, and 2.7 months, respectively, with a significant difference. Conclusion: Patients with BCLC stage B and C could be properly treated with reductive hepatectomy and subsequent local treatments.